Saturday 19 Sep 2026, 3:20pm
Hi there!
We are in dire need of a Rhythm Guitarist (James Iha) and a bassist (D'arcy Wretzky) for our smashing pumpkins tribute act. So far there are only two of us (me and a drummer) but we have a pretty solid idea of where we're taking this, so we're hoping we can find some people who are ready to commit too!
As you may know, there aren't too many accurate Smashing Pumpkins acts touring the UK, and with the original band not exactly being very active here, there's never been a better time. We're looking to cover the bands work from Gish all the way through to Machina, with the obligatory singles and deep cuts. Before anything, it's important I mention we are primarily looking for a male and female aged 19-29 as I am currently 21 and our drummer is 28. It'd also be fantastic if you can drive, which I'll elaborate on further down.
Rhythm Guitar (James Iha)
For our rhythm role, we need someone who is quite familiar with the band and has no issue switching from powerful, punchy chords to the occasional lead (for example the second half of the cherub rock solo or the end of quiet). We also find it incredibly important that you are quite accustomed to experimental guitar playing, as James has been known to utilise the digitech whammy, the ebow, strange guitars and the occasional toy space gun, while all of these aren't musts, being creative certainly helps! It'd be ideal if you are passionate about your equipment too, as this band's live and studio sound is primarily built up on an array of pedals and rack units, so knowing your gear would be welcomed! I'll also note that any lack of guitars is absolutely no problem, as I have quite a few James esque guitars to lend out for rehearsals and performances (a les paul custom clone, a les paul studio and an sg standard). I also don't mind the occasional pedal sharing, as I have quite the collection! One thing I won't be able to assist with is an amp though, I am currently running a JCM 800 combo (the newer one) which both James and Billy were running, so something that can emulate that would be ideal. To close off, this is a tribute act we're pulling together, so while we haven't completely decided on what era of the band to capture wardrobe wise, just be aware it might involve some wacky stage attire!
Bass Guitar (D'arcy Wretzky)
For our bass role, it is again quite important you are familiar with the bands work and D'arcy's playing style. She is the back bone of the band, and that is thanks to her mainly using a pick when playing. It is totally up to you how you choose to play, but just keep in mind that a song like "I am one" might require you to alternate to a pick! D'arcy has never been too much of a pedal freak or a gear snob, so all that's required is a bass (preferably a jazz / precision / stingray) and a bass amp. Once again as previously mentioned, expect some wacky attire!
Where you're located isn't terribly important, as we are spread between Liverpool and Cheltenham, and with us planning to rehearse in Staffordshire (right in between us) it is essential you can travel. As previously mentioned, any drivers would be excellent as I currently don't have my license and can go 50/50 with you on fuel, otherwise we'll have to get used to the train! The current plan is to rehearse at Stafford once every weekend (we can have a week break in between if need be), and once we're pleased with the set, we can get right to it. Due to that, practicing at home will be the key to smooth rehearsals and will land us straight to gigging. I am happy to meet up in between the week with Rhythm so we can get our parts locked down tight as well.
To cap this off, we're really looking at playing a variety of shows every month or so, whether it be festivals, headliners or double headers, and with the added benefit of being a tribute act, I'm sure we can get there! One last thing to note, all members will be expected to contribute to cost of rehearsals or anything else that may be necessary (e.g. promo or showreels). I look forward to hearing from some of you! I'll link below some of my playing and smashing pumpkins material, as well as our drummers cherub rock rendition with his previous pumpkins band.
Jellybelly cover: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5wyyxHQZrg
Soma solo cover: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/XbYVAZejPRM
Cherub Rock cover: https://youtu.be/Oo31IXZJj7E